Black-out panels

ABSTRACT

Blackout panels include a first blackout panel and a second blackout panel, each having opposing inner and outer surfaces and a pair of opposing vertical edge portions and top and bottom portions. At least one of the vertical edge portions of each panel includes a first elongate fastening strip comprising hooks or loops. The elongate strip extends for at least a major portion of a length of the panel and terminates a distance of between about 5-20 inches below the top portion of the respective blackout panel.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/953,497, filed Aug. 2, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Blackout curtain or liner panels are designed to prevent unwanted light from entering a living space, such as a bedroom. By using appropriate material and mounting configurations, blackout curtains can be capable of substantially blocking outside light.

Blackout curtains or liner panels are commonly supplied as a set of two panels. The panels can be used alone or in conjunction with other window treatments. One advantage of panels is that they can be pulled apart a desired distance. This allows light to enter the living space and permits a view to the outside. The panels can then be drawn together to darken the living space.

However, one problem with blackout panels is that light may penetrate a gap between adjacent panels that have been drawn together. Another problem is that a set of two panels may not be wide enough to span a large window or a panel pair attachment feature, where used, may be relatively cumbersome, overly complex, and/or not have sufficient mechanical ability to reliably define a light “seal” between the panels upon closure. These problems can cause frustration and defeat the purpose of the product.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Blackout panels include a first blackout panel and a second blackout panel, each having opposing inner and outer surfaces and a pair of opposing vertical edge portions and top and bottom portions. At least one of the vertical edge portions of each panel includes a first elongate fastening strip comprising hooks or loops. The elongate strip extends for at least a major portion of a length of the panel and terminates a distance of between about 5-20 inches below the top portion of the respective blackout panel.

Other embodiments are directed to sets of blackout panels. The sets include: (a) a first blackout panel having opposing inner and outer surfaces and first and second opposing vertical edge portions and top and bottom portions, wherein both of the vertical edge portions include an elongate fastening strip comprising hooks or loops; and (b) a second blackout panel having opposing inner and outer surfaces and first and second opposing vertical edge portions and top and bottom portions, wherein both of the vertical edge portions include an elongate fastening strip comprising hooks or loops. In position and aligned one of the elongate fastening strips on the first panel releasably engages one of the elongate fastening strips on the second panel.

In some embodiments, the first panel elongate fastening strips both reside on a front surface and both of the second panel elongate fastening strips reside on a rear surface. In some other embodiments, one of the first panel elongate fastening strips resides on a front surface and the other resides on a rear surface thereof. In some embodiments, both of the second panel elongate fastening strips reside on a rear surface while in others one of the second panel elongate fastening strips resides on a front surface and the other resides on a rear surface thereof.

Yet other embodiments are directed to sets of releasably attachable blackout panels. The sets include a plurality of blackout panels, each panel having opposing inner and outer surfaces and first and second opposing vertical edge portions and top and bottom portions. All the panels include at least one elongate fastening strip comprising hooks and/or loops on at least one vertical edge portion thereof. The at least one of the panels includes at least two elongate fastening strips comprising hooks and/or loops, at least one on both of the opposing vertical edge portions whereby the panel with the strips on both of the vertical edge portions releasably engages the respective elongate strip of two panels on opposing lateral sides thereof.

In some particular embodiments of the sets, a first one of the panels has a first elongate fastening strip that resides on a front surface and an adjacent panel has a corresponding elongate fastening strip that resides on a rear surface.

In some embodiments, the plurality of blackout panels all have at least two elongate strips, with at least one on each vertical edge portion. At least one of the panels has the elongate fastening strips on a front surface and at least one other has the elongate fastening strips on a rear surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of a first panel according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a partial rear view of a portion of a first panel according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a rear view of a second panel according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a partial front view of a portion of a second panel according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of first and second panels according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a front view of first and second panels closed and releasably attached together according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a front view of first and second panels opened over a window according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate that the panels can include a rod pocket and be mounted over a window or door using a rod according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate panels with hooks or pins for mounting according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a first panel according to further embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a second panel configured to cooperate with the first panel shown in FIG. 7 according to further embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of juxtaposed first and second panels according to further embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view of connected first and second panels according to further embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a plurality of panels that are releasably attached according to further embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a plurality of panels that are releasably attached according to further embodiments of the present invention.

Further features, advantages and details of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description of the embodiments that follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present invention. Features shown with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in other embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

In certain of the figures, the blackout panels have been noted to show a rear or front view. However, these panels can be turned or alternatively configured to reflect the opposite view (e.g., instead of a front view, they could alternatively also show a rear view or instead of an outwardly facing surface they show an inwardly facing surface). Also, although a feature is described with respect to one embodiment, this feature may be used with another embodiment.

Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity. Broken lines illustrate elements or features not visible from the presented view (e.g., on the opposite side) unless otherwise indicated. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “attached,” “connected,” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly attached,” “directly connected,” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y.” As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. For ease of description, the word “front” refers to the side facing the interior space, while the word “rear” refers to the side facing the outside or light source.

The terms “blackout panels” (in the plural) or “blackout panel” in the singular refer to hanging or suspended panels that substantially block light from entering into an interior space from an external entry window, door or other light entering space. The blackout panels can be used as liners with other conventional drapery or window coverings or may be provided as draperies or curtain panels. The blackout panels can be configured to allow a user to slide the panels apart to allow light to enter and to slide the panels together to allow the panels to close and releasably attach to block substantially all light from entering through the panels into a target space (e.g., bedroom).

The blackout panels comprise at least one layer of material designed to block a light source, such as, for example, outside or external natural light sources or other light sources. The at least one layer of material may comprise, for example, an externally facing surface that comprises acrylic foam. Blackout panels may also comprise two-pass or three-pass acrylic foam that may provide an enhanced light blocking effect. The external surface can be of a light color, such as a pastel, white, off white, cream, beige, light grey, and the like, to increase light reflection outward. The blackout panels also include an internally facing surface, which, in some embodiments, can be defined by at least one additional layer of material directly attached to a first layer of material. The additional layer may comprise cotton, polyester, and blends thereof. The at least one additional layer of material may be made available in an assortment of colors to accommodate user preference and/or room decor. Alternatively, as noted above, the blackout panels may be used as a lining that fits behind or cooperates with conventional or existing drapery.

The term “hook or loop fasteners” refers to releasably attachable cooperating complementing fastener configurations that include a “hook” side, which is a piece of fabric covered with small densely spaced hooks, and a “loop” side, which is covered with small densely spaced loops. This term also includes the alternative fastener configuration whereby two hook sides form the releasable cooperating attachment or fastener mechanism. Where used, the loop side typically has a fiberous or “hairy” appearance. When the two sides are pressed together, the hooks catch in or engage the loops (or the other hooks) and securely hold the blackout panels together. The two cooperating fastener sides can be sized and configured to allow a user to repeatedly attach and separate (e.g., pull apart) the panels thereby providing a relatively long service life, typically of at least two years of normal daily use, and more typically, at least five years of normal daily use. A commercial example of a hook or loop fastener is VELCRO®. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,717,437 to de Mestral, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an example of a first panel 10. The first panel 10 has a width W1 and a length L1. The width W1 is typically between about 27 to about 30 inches, but can be slimmer or wider to accommodate other sizes or non-standard windows, doors, other spaces or openings. The length L1 is typically between about 60 to about 80 inches, but can be shorter or taller to accommodate other sizes or non-standard windows, doors, spaces or openings. The first panel 10 includes an inner vertical edge 14 along the length L1.

As viewed from the front, the first panel 10 may include a front (interior facing) layer of material 12. The front layer of material 12 may be cotton, polyester, and blends thereof. In particular embodiments, the front layer of material 12 may comprise an 85% polyester/15% cotton blend.

The first panel 10 can include a first hook or loop fastening strip 16 positioned a distance A from the inner vertical edge 14. The distance A is typically between about ½ to 2 inches. In particular embodiments, the distance A may be approximately 1 inch. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the hook or loop fastening strip 16 may be a continuous strip and may run along at least a major length of the overall length L1 of the first panel 10. As further illustrated in FIG. 1A, the hook or loop fastening strip 16 may terminate a distance B from the top of the first panel 10. The distance B is typically between about 5 to 20 inches. In some embodiments, the distance B may be between about 8-15 inches, and in particular embodiments, the distance is between about 10-12 inches. Thus, advantageously, the distance B may allow for easier user compliance with the seal mechanism, and not require overextension to close or secure the blackout panels together.

As also shown, the hook or loop fastening strip 16 may also terminate a distance C from the bottom of the first panel 10. The distance C can be between about 8 to 16 inches. In particular embodiments, the distance C may be about 12 inches. The hook or loop fastening strip 16 has a width WS. The width WS is typically between about ⅛ to about 1¼ inches, and more typically is between about ½ to about ⅝ inches. In particular embodiments, the width WS can be about ⅜ inches. The hook or loop fastening strip 16 also has a length LS. The length LS can depend on the length L1 of the first panel 10. The length LS is typically more than a major portion of the length L1. So, for example, for a length of 60 inches, the length LS will be at least 30 inches (with the offsets B, C from the top and bottom edges as noted above). Thus, a suitable length LS can be determined by knowing the length L1 as well as the distances B, C of the first panel 10.

As shown, the hook or loop fastening strip 16 is affixed to the front of the first panel 10. In particular embodiments, the hook or loop fastening strip 16 may be sewn to the front of the first panel 10. Advantages of sewing the hook or loop fastening strip 16 to the first panel 10 may include increased durability and may allow machine washability without undue deterioration of the closure capacity of the strip 16. FIG. 1B is a rear view of a portion of the first panel 10 illustrating one embodiment in which the hook or loop fastening strip 16 is fixably attached to the front of the first panel 10 by sewing the entire perimeter of the hook or loop fastening strip 16 to the first panel 10. In FIG. 1B, the long dashed lines indicate the outline of the hook or loop fastening strip 16 fixably attached to the opposite side. The short dashed lines indicate thread 19 used to sew the hook or loop fastening strip 16 to the first panel 10 near the inner vertical edge portion 14. The thread 19 is visible on the back of the first panel 10. It is noted that other means for attaching the hook or loop fastening strip 16 to the front of the first panel 10 are contemplated. For example, the hook or loop fastening strip 16 may be attached to the front of the first panel 10 by an adhesive or both by sewing and an adhesive. It is further noted that if the first panel 10 includes a front layer of material 12, the hook or loop fastening strip 16 may be fixably attached only to the front layer of material 12 of the first panel 10 or where multiple layers are used, sewn through multiple layers of the panel 10.

FIG. 2A is a rear view of an example of a second panel 20 configured to cooperate with the first panel 10. The second panel 20 has a width W2 and a length L2. As for the exemplary first panel 10, the width W2 is typically between about 27 to about 30 inches, but can be slimmer or wider to accommodate non-standard windows, doors or other spaces or openings. The length L2 is typically between about 60 to about 80 inches, but can be shorter or taller to accommodate other sizes and/or non-standard windows, doors, other spaces or openings. The second panel 20 includes an inner vertical edge 24 along the length L2 of the second panel 20.

As discussed with respect to the first panel 10, and as shown and viewed from the rear, the second panel 20 may also include a rear layer of material 22 that defines the rear surface 20 r. The rear layer of material 22 can be substantially light blocking and may comprise acrylic foam, double-pass acrylic foam, or triple-pass acrylic foam, for example. In addition to its ability to darken a space, the rear layer of material 22 provides other advantages. For example, the rear layer of material 22 can protect furniture or drapes by preventing sun damage. Additionally, the rear layer of material 22 (alone or with the one or more layers such as first layer 12) can be configured to save energy by insulating against heat, cold, and moisture. Furthermore, the rear layer of material 22 (alone or with the one or more layers such as first layer 12) may have a noise reduction effect.

When viewed from the front, the second panel 20 may also include a front layer of material 12, similar to that associated with the first panel 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1A. The front and rear layers of material 12, 22 may be directly connected to form the first and second panels 10, 20. For example, the front and rear layers of material 12, 22 may be held together by an adhesive, or by sewing or stitching. In further embodiments, it is noted that the first and second panels 10, 20 may comprise only one layer of substantially light blocking material. In this regard, the one layer of substantially light blocking material can be configured to possess the advantages associated with the rear layer of material 22, discussed above.

The second panel 20 includes a hook or loop fastening strip 26 (e.g., a VELCRO® R strip) complimentary to that of strip 16 and positioned a distance A from the inner vertical edge 24. The distance A is typically between about ½ to 2 inches. In particular embodiments, the distance A may be about 1 inch. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the hook or loop fastening strip 26 may be a continuous strip and may run along at least a major portion or length of the length L2 of the second panel 20. As further illustrated in FIG. 2A, the hook or loop fastening strip 26 may terminate a distance B from the top of the second panel 20 as discussed above with respect to the first panel 10. The distance B may be the same or different for the first and second panels 10, 20. The hook or loop fastening strip 26 may also terminate a distance C from the bottom of the second panel 20 as discussed above with respect to the first panel 10. The hook or loop fastening strip 26 has a width WS. The width WS is typically substantially the same as that of corresponding strip 16 as also discussed with respect to the first panel 10. The hook or loop fastening strip 26 also has a length LS that corresponds to that discussed with respect to the first panel 10.

The hook or loop fastening strip 26 is affixed to the back of the second panel 20. As with strip 16, for example, the hook or loop fastening strip 26 may be sewn to the back of the second panel 20. Advantages of sewing the hook or loop fastening strip 26 to the second panel 20 include increased durability and the ability to machine wash the second panel 20. FIG. 2B is a front view of a portion of the second panel 20 illustrating one embodiment in which the hook or loop fastening strip 26 is affixed to the back of the second panel 20 by sewing the entire perimeter of the hook or loop fastening strip 26 to the back of the second panel 20. In FIG. 2B, the long dashed lines indicate the outline of the hook or loop fastening strip 26 affixed on the opposite side. The short dashed lines indicate thread 29 used to sew the hook or loop fastening strip 26 to the second panel 20 near the inner vertical edge 24. The thread 29 is visible on the front of the second panel 20. As with strip 16, it is noted that other means for attaching the hook or loop fastening strip 26 to the back of the second panel 20 are contemplated. For example, the hook or loop fastening strip 26 may be attached to the back of the second panel 20 by an adhesive or both an adhesive and sewn. It is further noted that if the second panel 20 includes a rear layer of material 22, the hook or loop fastening strip 26 may be affixed only to the rear layer of material 22 of the second panel 20 of sewn through and attached to both.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 2A, the width W1 of the first panel 10 and the width W2 of the second panel 20 may be substantially the same, and may be identical. This may be convenient for the manufacturer and the retailer, and may be a useful size for an end user. However, it is considered that the width W1 of the first panel 10 and the width W2 of the second panel 20 may be different. This may be advantageous for use with custom windows or doors or other spaces, oversize windows or doors or windows or doors that are not of standard size, for example. Similarly, the length L1 of the first panel 10 and the length L2 of the second panel will generally be substantially the same, and may be identical. However, it is contemplated that the first and second panels 10, 20 can have different lengths L1, L2. This may be advantageous, for example, where a window air-conditioning unit is installed on one side of a double window or where a shorter length on a portion or one side is otherwise desirable.

FIG. 3 is a front view of adjacent first and second panels 10, 20. Second panel 20 is now seen from the front 20 f such that a front layer of material 12 may be visible. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the first and second panels 10, 20 are positioned to be connected at their respective hook or loop fastening strips 16, 26 by drawing together and overlying the inner vertical edge 14 of the first panel 10 and the inner vertical edge 24 of the second panel 20. In this manner, one of the hook or loop fastening strips 16, 26 comprises hooks and the other of the hook or loop fastening strips 16, 26 comprises loops (and/or hooks). For example, if the hook or loop fastening strip 16 associated with the first panel 10 comprises loops, the hook or loop fastening strip 26 associated with the second panel 20 comprises complimentary and/or cooperating hooks.

FIG. 4A is a front view of a releasably attached conjoined panel set 30 on a rod 40. The conjoined panel set 30 can be formed by positioning the respective hook or loop fastening strip 26 associated with the second panel 20 over the corresponding hook or loop fastening strip 16 associated with the first panel 10. An overlap 32 is created after the hook or loop fastening strips 16, 26 are engaged. The overlap 32 may have a width W3 which is substantially equal to the width WS of the hook or loop fastening strips 16, 26 plus twice the distance A (FIGS. 1A, 2A) that the hook or loop fastening strips 16, 26 are spaced from the inner vertical edges 14, 24 of the first and second panels 10, 20.

Although FIGS. 1A-4A illustrate the hook or loop fastening strips 16, 26 as continuous strips, other embodiments are contemplated. For example, a plurality of discontinuous spaced apart hook or loop fastening strips may be spaced and fixably attached to each of the first and second panels 10, 20. The quantity and number of hook or loop fastening strips 16, 26 may be identical on each of the first and second panels 10, 20 such that the first and second panels 10, 20 mate properly to provide the secured light blocking configuration that withstands flowing air and pressure changes. However, the spacing should be small enough to prevent light from penetrating through any gaps created at closure of the strips between the first and second panels 10, 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the joined panel set 30 may be separated by disengaging the hook or loop fastening strips 16, 26 and pulling apart the inner vertical edges 14, 24 of the first and second panels 10, 20. A window 33 (or door or other space) may be exposed by separating the first and second panels 10, 20, allowing light to enter a living space and permitting a view to the outside or other space. For example, on a cruise ship or hotel that has an inner corridor, windows can face the interior multi-story common space and the blackout panels can be useful for blocking light and providing privacy and additional noise reduction over conventional curtains or liners.

Referring back to FIG. 4A, when the first and second panels 10, 20 are in their closed position, an underlying segment of one panel 34 may be present due to the distance B that the hook or loop fastening strips 16, 26 are spaced from the top of the first and second panels 10, 20. The distances A, B may be selected such that the segment 34 does not allow light to enter a living space. By increasing the distance A, and thereby increasing the width W3 of the overlap 32, the distance B may be increased without compromising the light blocking effect of the panel set 30 (i.e., by preventing penetration of light through the segment 34). It is noted that the distance B is advantageous in that it allows for easier connection and disconnection of the first and second panels 10, 20 toward their top edge portions. This may be especially true with regard to tall windows or doors and/or with regard to users of below average height, for example. Additionally, the distance B may allow for “play” for easier connection and/or manipulation of the first and second panels 10, 20 with regard to a fixture, such as a curtain rod, examples of fixtures are described immediately below.

A rod 40 or other fixture may serve to suspend the first and second panels 10, 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4A, rod pockets or channels 18 may be positioned at the top of each of the first and second panels 10, 20. The pockets or channels 18 are configured such that the rod 40 or other fixture will (slidably) fit within the pocket or channel 18. In other embodiments, the first and second panels 10, 20 may include loops, lace, or other means to connect to a rod 40 or other fixture.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a panel 10 (or 20) being prepared for use by inserting a rod 40 into the pocket or channel 18. As shown, the panel 10, 20 is suspended from the rod 40 and used as a liner for a standard rod pocket drape 41 (FIG. 5B).

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a panel 10, 20 used as a liner for a pinch pleated drape 42. In FIG. 6A, one of a plurality of pin curtain hooks 43 are engaged with a respective one of a plurality of panel loops 44 of the panels 10, 20. The pinch pleated drape 42 is then inserted into the plurality of pin curtain hooks 43 as illustrated in FIG. 6B. FIG. 6C illustrates the plurality of pin curtain hooks 43 attached to carriers 45 on a rod 40 to suspend the panel 10, 20 and the pinch pleated drape 42.

FIGS. 6D and 6E illustrate a panel 10, 20 used as a liner for a tab top drape 46. As illustrated, a plurality of pin curtain hooks 43 are engaged with a plurality of loops 48 of the panel 10, 20. The plurality of pin curtain hooks 43 are then inserted into the tab top drape 46 at evenly spaced intervals as illustrated in FIGS. 6D and 6E. FIG. 6E is a view of the panel 10, 20 and the tab top drape 46 suspended by a rod 40.

It is contemplated that other mounting structures for holding the first and second panels 10, 20 over a window, door or other space may be used.

In some embodiments, the pockets or channels 18 or other mounting means are positioned on both the top and bottom of the first and second panels 10, 20. In this regard, the first and second panels 10, 20 can be rotated (180 degrees) and the top and bottom interchanged so as to be able to mount either in a top to bottom or bottom to top orientation, to the rod 40 or other mounting fixture. This may be advantageous, for example, to reduce wear, sun exposure, and the like and/or prolong the life of the panel set 30.

Further embodiments of blackout panels will now be discussed. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7-10, individual panels 10, 20 may include two hook or loop fastening strips 16 ₁, 16 ₂, 26 ₁, 26 ₂, one each on opposing vertical edge portions of the panel. FIG. 7 is a front view of a first panel 10′ with a width W1 and a length L1. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 1A, the width W1 is typically between about 27 to 30 inches, but can be slimmer or wider to accommodate non-standard windows or openings. The length L1 is typically between about 60 to 80 inches, but can be shorter or taller to accommodate non-standard windows or openings. The first panel 10′ has an inner vertical edge 14 and an outer vertical edge 55 along the length L1.

A first hook or loop fastening strip 16 ₁ is positioned a distance A from the inner vertical edge 14 and a second hook or loop fastening strip 16 ₂ is spaced a distance A from the outer vertical edge 55. The distance A is typically between about ½ to 2 inches. In particular embodiments, the distance A may be about 1 inch. The first and second hook or fastening strips 16 ₁, 16 ₂, respectively, may be positioned a distance B from the top of the first panel 10′. The distance B can be as described with respect to FIG. 1A. Similarly, the strips 16 ₁, 16 ₂ may also be positioned a distance C from the bottom of the first panel 10′ as also discussed above with respect to FIG. 1A. Both the first and second hook and/or loop fastening strips 16 ₁, 16 ₂ have a width WS and a length LS as also discussed above with respect to FIG. 1A. The first and second hook or loop fastening strips 16 ₁, 16 ₂ can be attached to the panel 10′ as also discussed above with respect to the single strip panel 10.

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of a second panel 20′. The second panel 20′ has a width W2 and a length L2 as discussed above with respect to FIG. 2A. The second panel 20′ has an inner vertical edge 24 and an outer vertical edge 65 along the length L2.

A first hook or loop fastening strip 26 ₁ is positioned a distance A from the inner vertical edge 24 and a second hook or loop fastening strip 26 ₂ is spaced a distance A from the outer vertical edge 65. The other features of panels 10′ and 20′ can be as described above with respect to panels 10, 20.

FIG. 9 is a front view of adjacent first and second panels 10′, 20′. Second panel 20′ is now seen from the front 20 f. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the first and second panels 10′, 20′ are positioned to be connected at their respective first hook or loop fastening strips 16 ₁, 26 ₁ by drawing together the inner vertical edge 14 of the first panel 10′ and the inner vertical edge 24 of the second panel 20′. In this manner, one of the first hook or loop fastening strips 16 ₁, 26 ₁ comprises hooks and the other of the first hook or loop fastening strips 16 ₁, 26 ₁ can comprise loops (or releasable engagable hooks). For example, if the first hook or loop fastening strip 16 ₁ associated with the first panel 10′ comprises loops, the first hook and fastening strip 26 ₁ associated with the second panel 20′ comprises hooks (or both include hooks that are configured to matably securely releasably engage with other hooks of the other strip).

FIG. 10 is a front view of a releasably attached panel set 30′. The joined panel set 30′ is formed by positioning the first hook or loop fastening strip 26 ₁ associated with the second panel 20′ over the first hook or loop fastening strip 16 ₁ associated with the first panel 10′. An overlap 32 is created when the first hook or loop fastening strips 16 ₁, 26 ₁ are engaged. The overlap 32 has a width W3 which is substantially equal to the width WS of one of the hook or loop fastening strips 16 ₁, 26 ₁ plus twice the distance A that the first hook or loop fastening strips 16 ₁, 26 ₁ are spaced from the inner vertical edges 14, 24 of the first and second panels 10′, 20′.

An underlying or overlying segment 34 may drape or be present due to the distance B that the first hook or loop fastening strips 16 ₁, 26 ₁ are spaced from the top of the first and second panels 10′, 20′ as discussed above with respect to FIG. 4A.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second hook or loop fastening strip 16 ₂ and/or 26 ₂ on a particular panel 10′, 20′ provide further advantages. For example, as described below, more than two panel(s) can be used with adjacent neighboring pairs of panels releaseably secured to each other (e.g., one panel secured to neighbor panels on each side) using corresponding fastening strips on vertical edges of adjacent panels.

FIG. 11 illustrates a set of cojoined panels 30′ with four panels serially connected via hook and/or loop fastening strips 16 ₁, 26 ₁, 16 ₂, 26 ₂. Less or more panels may be used together in this manner. As shown, a third panel 80 includes a first hook or loop fastening strip 16 ₃ that can engage strip 26 ₂ of second panel 20′. Similarly, a fourth panel 90 includes a first hook or loop fastening strip 26 ₃ that can connect to the second hook or loop fastening strip 16 ₂ of the first panel 10′. The third panel 80 may include a second hook or loop fastening strip 16 ₄ and the fourth panel 90 may optionally include a second hook or loop fastening strip 26 ₄. In this regard, additional panels may be connected to the first or second panels 10′, 20′ by pressing them against an outer vertical edge 85 of the third panel 80 and/or an outer vertical edge 95 of the fourth panel 90.

Serially connected panels are advantageous where windows are too wide to be covered by a standard pair of blackout panels or where more narrow blackout panels are used, for example. Although FIG. 11 illustrates four panels serially connected, it is contemplated that any number of panels may be connected using one or both sides of strips on each panel as needed to secure the desired numbers of panels together to cover a target window, door or other light entering space.

It is contemplated that at least two of the panels may be configured with the same or different strip configurations i.e., the two fastening strips on each panel 10′, 20′, may comprise either the same type of hook or loop configuration or, alternatively, one of each type of hook or loop configuration. Also, a respective panel 10′, 20′ or 80, 90 can have two strips on the same surface, e.g., one panel can have both fastening strips on the front surface and another can have both on the rear surface.

For multi-panel (e.g., three or more) configurations, as shown in FIG. 12, one or more panels can have one fastening strip on the front surface and one fastening strip on the rear surface (see panels 80, 90) while one (or none) can have the strips on the same surface (see, e.g., panels 10′ and 20′). Where each panel has both of its fastening strips on the same surface, the attachment configuration is such that vertical edge portion of a second panel lies under both a vertical edge portion of the first panel and a vertical edge portion of a third panel (where used). Where panels have strips 16, 26 or 16 ₁, 16 ₂, 26 ₁, 26 ₂ or combinations thereof, on inner and outer surfaces, a first panel vertical edge will overlay a second panel vertical edge but the other second panel vertical edge will overlie a third panel vertical edge (with a front surface strip) to allow outer edge portions of the panels to be interleaved or sequentially stacked together. One or more of the panels may include only a single strip rather than the dual strip configuration.

In some embodiments, a blackout acrylic foam layer can be applied to the poly/cotton or other substrate layer so that a panel 10, 20, or 10′, 20′ etc. . . . , can be configured to block 99.9% (0.1×) of light when mounted as tested according to Japan Synthetic Textile Inspection Institute Method, JIS L 1055 Method A for evaluating the light blocking rate.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention, and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. As such, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the following claims. 

1. Blackout panels, comprising: a first blackout panel having opposing inner and outer surfaces and a pair of opposing vertical edge portions and top and bottom portions, wherein at least one of the vertical edge portions includes a first elongate fastening strip comprising hooks or loops, wherein the first elongate strip extends for at least a major portion of a length of the panel and terminates a distance of between about 5-20 inches below the top portion of the first blackout panel; and a second blackout panel having opposing inner and outer surfaces and a pair of opposing vertical edge portions and top and bottom portions, wherein at least one of the second panel vertical edge portions includes a second elongate fastening strip with hooks or loops that releasably attach to the first fastening strip of the first blackout panel, wherein the second elongate fastening strip extends for at least a major portion of a length of the second blackout panel and terminates a distance between about 5-20 inches below the top portion of the second blackout panel, and wherein, in position, the first and second blackout panels substantially block light from passing through the attached blackout panels.
 2. Blackout panels according to claim 1, wherein the first and second elongate strips terminate at about 10 inches from the top portions of the respective panels.
 3. Blackout panels according to claim 1, wherein the first elongate strip of the first panel resides on a front surface spaced inwardly a distance from an inner vertical edge and the second elongate strip of the second panel resides on a rear surface of the second panel and is spaced inwardly a distance from an inner vertical edge, and wherein, when attached, the second panel inner vertical edge overlaps the first panel inner vertical edge a distance of at least about 2 inches.
 4. Blackout panels according to claim 1, wherein each panel has a first layer of an acrylic foam that defines the rear surface and a second layer comprising polyester and/or cotton that defines the front surface, and wherein the panel has a 99.9% light blocking rate when tested according to JIS L 1055 Method A.
 5. Blackout panels according to claim 1, wherein the top portions of the first and second panels include both: (a) rod pockets for receiving a curtain rod; and (b) hook attachment fabric for engaging hooks that attach to curtain rods, thereby allowing for use of different mounting configurations by an end user.
 6. A set of blackout panels, comprising: a first blackout panel having opposing inner and outer surfaces and first and second opposing vertical edge portions and top and bottom portions, wherein both of the vertical edge portions include an elongate fastening strip comprising hooks or loops; and a second blackout panel having opposing inner and outer surfaces and first and second opposing vertical edge portions and top and bottom portions, wherein both of the vertical edge portions include an elongate fastening strip comprising hooks or loops, wherein, in position and aligned one of the elongate fastening strips on the first panel releasably engages one of the elongate fastening strips on the second panel.
 7. A set of panels according to claim 6, wherein the first panel elongate fastening strips both reside on a front surface and both of the second panel elongate fastening strips reside on a rear surface.
 8. A set of panels according to claim 6, wherein one of the first panel elongate fastening strips resides on a front surface and the other resides on a rear surface thereof.
 9. A set of panels according to claim 8, wherein both of the second panel elongate fastening strips reside on a rear surface.
 10. A set of panels according to claim 8, wherein one of the second panel elongate fastening strips resides on a front surface and the other resides on a rear surface thereof.
 11. A set of releasably attachable blackout panels, comprising: a plurality of blackout panels, each panel having opposing inner and outer surfaces and first and second opposing vertical edge portions and top and bottom portions, wherein all the panels include at least one elongate fastening strip comprising hooks and/or loops on at least one vertical edge portion thereof, and wherein at least one of the panels includes at least two elongate fastening strips comprising hooks and/or loops, at least one on both of the opposing vertical edge portions whereby the panel with the strips on both of the vertical edge portions releasably engages the respective elongate strip of two panels on opposing lateral sides thereof.
 12. A set of panels according to claim 11, wherein a first one of the panels has a first elongate fastening strip that resides on a front surface and an adjacent panel has a corresponding elongate fastening strip that resides on a rear surface.
 13. A set of panels according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of blackout panels all have at least two elongate strips, with at least one on each vertical edge portion, and wherein at least one of the panels has the elongate fastening strips on a front surface and at least one other has the elongate fastening strips on a rear surface.
 14. A set of panels according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the panels has the elongate fastening strips all on a rear surface.
 15. A set of panels according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the panels has elongate strip that all resides on a front surface.
 16. A set of panels in combination with a curtain rod, wherein the curtain rod attaches to a wall and engages the top portion of the panels and suspends the panels over a window or door while allowing the panels to be slidably opened and closed. 